A BRITISH exploration team are pitting themselves against polar bears and Arctic whiteouts in their attempt to make the first unsupported crossing of the Northwest Passage - one of the most iconic and fearsome of Arctic routes. Expedition leader Alex Hibbert, 28, is skiing the 1,800-mile journey with fellow adventurers Jamie Anderson, 30, and Benno Rawlinson, 28 - and his pet dog Tala. The Czechoslovakian wolf dog - one of two canines on the journey - will act as a polar bear watchdog. The three-man team set off in January and are not set to arrive until May at the earliest.